Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome: a historical perspective

Gene. 2015 Jan 15;555(1):33-40. doi: 10.1016/j.gene.2014.09.045. Epub 2014 Sep 26.

Abstract

Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome is a congenital defect of the Müllerian ducts characterized by uterovaginal agenesis and underdeveloped female genital organs. This paper is a tribute to the contributors of this condition - August Franz Joseph Karl Mayer, Karl Freiherr von Rokitansky, Hermann Küster and Georges André Hauser. In addition to their contributions, we have discussed findings and reports of similar defects from other important scientists (Hippocrates, Albucasis, etc.) dating as far back as 460B.C. We have also discussed the disease types and different classification systems including VCUAM and AFS/ASRM among others. Even with several surgical and non-surgical treatment options, there are still many questions that remain unanswered and very little is known about the etiology or genetic predisposition of this condition.

Keywords: August Franz Joseph Karl Mayer; Congenital defect; Developmental genes; Georges André Hauser; Hermann Küster; Karl Freiherr von Rokitansky; MRKH syndrome; Müllerian agenesis; Vaginal agenesis; Vaginoplasty.

Publication types

  • Historical Article
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • 46, XX Disorders of Sex Development / classification
  • 46, XX Disorders of Sex Development / diagnosis
  • 46, XX Disorders of Sex Development / genetics*
  • 46, XX Disorders of Sex Development / history*
  • Animals
  • Cleft Lip / genetics
  • Cleft Lip / history
  • Cleft Palate / genetics
  • Cleft Palate / history
  • Congenital Abnormalities / classification
  • Congenital Abnormalities / diagnosis
  • Congenital Abnormalities / genetics*
  • Congenital Abnormalities / history*
  • History, 17th Century
  • History, 18th Century
  • History, Ancient
  • History, Medieval
  • Humans
  • Limb Deformities, Congenital / genetics
  • Limb Deformities, Congenital / history
  • Lip / abnormalities
  • Mullerian Ducts / abnormalities*
  • Rare Diseases / diagnosis
  • Rare Diseases / genetics
  • Rare Diseases / history

Supplementary concepts

  • Kuster syndrome
  • Mullerian aplasia